Bingo Could Be Coming To Political Campaigns in Michigan

Bingo is a game that has become sort of outdated. While it is experiencing a revival online, not many bingo parlors in the United States are prospering.

A proposal for new legislation in Michigan would allow for the game to once again be used as a political device. Currently, only operational costs can be paid from political bingo games.

Representative Mark Meadows has introduced legislation that would allow for political parties to raise money for candidates through charitable bingo games.

The idea has several politicians agreeing it could be a good way to raise money. “The primary reason political bingos were stopped is that Democrats used them successfully and they were not a Republican fundraising mechanism. This was done for the wrong reasons, and it’s time to reverse this,” said Meadows.

While there are several cosponsors to the Bill, not all involved believe this is the complete answer to raising money. Bingo is an old fashioned game, and with the addition of many casinos, the games popularity has gone down.

“In areas like mine where there are a lot of casinos, bingo games aren’t very big sellers anymore. But in some areas, it will be a good way for political parties to raise money without going out and asking for direct donations,” said Representative Steve Lindberg.

Like most issues, the parties are torn. The Democrats like the new legislation because it will help them raise much needed campaign money. The Republicans have plenty of money, so they do not want to see the Democrats have an outlet to compete financially.